In this Aug. 18, 2014 photo taken with a fisheye lens, people protest for Michael Brown who was killed by police Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Mo. Missouri police, in advance of a grand jury decision on whether to charge a white police officer who fatally shot a black 18-year-old, are making extensive preparations hoping to avoid a repeat of violent clashes between protesters and police. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
(The Associated Press)

In this Aug. 17, 2104 file photo people defy a curfew before smoke and tear gas was fired to disperse a crowd protesting the shooting of teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Missouri police, in advance of a grand jury decision on whether to charge a white police officer who fatally shot a black 18-year-old, are making extensive preparations hoping to avoid a repeat of violent clashes between protesters and police. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
(The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Aug, 16, 2014 file photo, Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Ron Johnson walks among people protesting the police shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Missouri police have been taking a refresher course on people's constitutional rights while simultaneously stocking up on new riot gear in advance of a grand jury decision on whether to charge a white police officer who fatally shot a black 18-year-old in suburban St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
(The Associated Press)

FERGUSON, Mo. – Missouri police have been buying new gear and getting trained on constitutional rights as they prepare for a grand jury decision on whether to charge a white policeman in the shooting death of a black 18-year-old.

A grand jury announcement could come within the next month, though no specific date is set.

Law enforcement officials are hoping to avoid violent clashes between protesters and police similar to those that occurred after Ferguson officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

Police have adjusted tactics for interacting more peacefully with protesters while also honing procedures for quick, widespread arrests. They are planning to have a large contingent of officers ready, but also have been meeting with clergy, community leaders and students in hopes of building relationships that could ease tensions.